Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has declared that every naira of public funds must be used for the benefit of Nigerians, describing corruption as one of the greatest impediments to national development and calling for stronger collaboration among all arms of government and citizens to combat the menace.
Umahi made the declaration on Thursday while delivering the keynote address at the launch of the Joint Tracking Report organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works. The event, held at the ICPC Headquarters in Abuja, focused on the theme, "The Role of Parliamentarians in the Fight Against Corruption."
Addressing lawmakers, anti-corruption agencies, senior government officials and other stakeholders, the minister said public office demands ethical leadership, transparency and accountability, stressing that every kobo belonging to Nigerians must be accounted for.
"Every naira belonging to the people must work for the people," Umahi declared, on statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, adding that corruption undermines development and deprives citizens of the dividends of good governance.
Drawing from his experience as a former governor, senator and now minister under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, Umahi said he had witnessed the importance of responsible governance and legislative oversight.
"As one privileged to have served in both the Executive and the Legislature, and now as the Honourable Minister of Works, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I have witnessed firsthand ethical leadership, effective legislative oversight, and responsible governance," he said.
He commended President Tinubu's commitment to accountability and prudent management of public resources, saying the administration remains focused on ensuring that government funds are deployed strictly for the welfare of Nigerians.
According to the minister, corruption extends beyond the diversion of public funds, warning that it weakens institutions, erodes public trust and hampers national progress.
"Corruption is not merely the misappropriation of public resources. It is an assault on development, justice, equity, and the confidence of citizens in government," he said.
He noted that corruption diverts scarce resources away from infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and social welfare, thereby worsening poverty and slowing economic growth.
"Corruption diverts scarce resources from critical infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and social welfare, thereby slowing national development and deepening poverty," Umahi stated.
The minister described members of the National Assembly as critical partners in Nigeria's anti-corruption campaign because of their constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking, oversight and representation.
"Parliamentarians occupy a strategic position in the fight against corruption because they are the custodians of legislation, oversight, and representation. These constitutional responsibilities make them indispensable partners in promoting transparency and accountability," he said.
He urged lawmakers to strengthen the nation's legal framework by closing loopholes that encourage corruption while enacting legislation that promotes transparency, public procurement reforms and fiscal responsibility.
"Members of Parliament must continually review existing laws, close legal loopholes that encourage corruption, strengthen anti-corruption institutions, and enact legislation that promotes transparency, accountability, public procurement reforms, and fiscal responsibility," he said.
Umahi also called for constructive legislative oversight, stressing that it should serve the national interest rather than become an avenue for unnecessary confrontation.
"Parliamentarians' oversight function should never be reduced to confrontation; rather, it should be a constitutional mechanism for ensuring that public funds are utilised efficiently, lawfully, and for the intended purposes," he added.
Reflecting on his administration as Governor of Ebonyi State, Umahi attributed the state's infrastructure achievements to prudent financial management, strict project monitoring and direct supervision.
"Throughout my administration as Governor of Ebonyi State, we prioritized prudent management of public resources, value for money, strict project monitoring, and direct supervision of infrastructure projects," he said.
The minister maintained that the fight against corruption requires the participation of every sector of society, insisting that government institutions alone cannot win the battle.
"Government alone cannot win the war against corruption. Parliamentarians, the Executive, the Judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, civil society organizations, the media, professional bodies, religious institutions, and ordinary citizens must work together in building a culture where integrity is rewarded and corruption is rejected," he said.
He further stressed that the anti-corruption campaign must outlive successive administrations through the strengthening of institutions.
"The fight against corruption is not a one-time campaign; it is a continuous national commitment. Every generation has the responsibility to leave behind stronger institutions than it inherited," Umahi said.
Concluding his address, the minister reminded participants that the fight against corruption is ultimately about securing Nigeria's future.
"Let me conclude by reminding us that the fight against corruption is ultimately a fight for justice, development, national unity, and the future of our children," he said.
Among dignitaries at the event were Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Emmanuel Udende; Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Hon. Kayode Moshood Akiolu; Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello; Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede; Director-General of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Hafsat Abubakar Bakari; Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, as well as senators, members of the House of Representatives and other stakeholders.